Parkhurst The Niagara

I had a pair of Alden Indys that were lost/stolen in a 1,000 mile move. I got the itch to replace the Indys, but couldn’t bring myself to spend near-viberg money on a pair given the other options available for less cash with better build and value. Same time, my Parkhurst 602 Oak Rambler Richmonds were becoming my favorite boots and I wanted to try another style on the 602m. I also wanted a more lighter leather that would pick up a storied patina (doing dad stuff) for my next pair. When I saw these Niagaras in Seidel natural veg re-tan, all the boxes were checked and I scooped these. I think prefer these to my old Indys and, not that it really matters, I get more compliments on these too.

My Richmonds on the 602 have a bit of pinky toe rub so I thought I’d try a half size up on these. These are a bit too roomy, perhaps should have stayed with an 11, but a mid-thickness veg tan insole from rose anvil has taken up the extra volume and these are fitting well now. I’ve never gotten a blister in these, even before adding the insoles. They seem to never stop breaking in, though, so they feel a bit different (but still comfortable) every time I put them on. I’ll just keep stomping around in them until I get that glove-like aha feel one day.